If the defendant appears for arraignment without counsel he must be informed by the court of his right to have counsel and the court shall appoint an attorney to represent him at the arraignment and at every stage of the proceeding, unless the defendant waives his right to legal assistance or is able to obtain counsel of his choice. The court shall give him a reasonable period of time to prepare for trial. The attorney so appointed shall serve without any cost to the defendant.
Puerto Rico Legal Code